Nighttime aircraft accident involving tree strike and reservoir impact

Casualties unknown • Ashville, NY, US

An airplane struck trees during a night approach at a private airport before coming to rest inverted in a reservoir.

What happened

The pilot was conducting a night approach to runway 15 at a private airport. While on final approach, the airplane struck a tall tree located approximately 900 feet before the approach end of the runway. Following this initial impact, the aircraft struck additional trees and eventually came to rest in an inverted position inside a reservoir situated abeam of the runway approach end.

At the time of the accident, weather conditions included a gusty crosswind originating from the right, and rain was beginning to fall. The runway at the airport lacked any visual or electronic glideslope equipment to assist with vertical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-11-11 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Ashville, NY?

An airplane struck trees during a night approach at a private airport before coming to rest inverted in a reservoir.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-11-11 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N62620, at Ashville, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance to the runway during an approach to land. Factors relating to the accident were: the night and adverse weather conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04909. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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